With two of England's greatest seaports on its coastline, and the ancient royal hunting grounds of the New Forest and Winchester, the capital of Saxon England, lying inland, Hampshire is a county rich in history offering a wide variety of itinerary choices.

Well served by both road and rail the area is easily reached from neighbouring counties and further afield. With its major ferry ports, serving both the continent and the Isle of Wight, it is an ideal location for extending the UK leg of a European tour.

The New Forest remains one of England's natural wonders. Established by William the Conqueror, much of the forest has changed little over many generations. The area abounds with wildlife and a trip though the forest takes you through many pretty towns and villages. There is a vast array of activities on offer ranging from angling to pony trekking. Visitor attractions include stately homes, wildlife centres and museums.

Hampshire remains deep at the heart of Britain's rich maritime heritage. Portsmouth has been the home of the Royal Navy since Tudor times and a visit to the city and its surroundings offers the opportunity to view ships and naval tradition from the past and present.

To the west of the county the towns and villages of the Solent and Southampton Water were once, due to the abundance of wood from the New Forest, at the centre of the British shipbuilding industry.